• Madhab Kundu

Abstract: The Kangsabati Reservoir was constructed at the confluence of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers in Mukutmanipur, Bankura district, West Bengal. This project was adopted during the Second Five-Year Plan. The government's primary objective in initiating this project was to improve the agricultural system in the dry, drought-prone southwestern region of West Bengal. Additionally, the project aimed for electricity generation, flood control, fisheries development, and drinking water supply. The Kangsabati reservoir project was entirely funded and executed by the government, with noble intentions. Its goals included irrigation for agriculture across four districts (including Bankura), flood prevention, drinking water supply, and electricity generation. The beneficiary districts were Bankura, Midnapore, Jhargram and Hooghly, making a total of four districts. However, the government faced significant obstacles during the project's implementation. This was because, despite the decision to construct the project at the governmental level, issues of compensation and rehabilitation were not addressed or even mentioned. Protests began at the local level. It was observed that during the project's execution, over 25,000 people faced uncertainty regarding food and shelter. It is crucial to note that they did not want the project to stop; they were all in favour of it, their only demand being "compensation and rehabilitation." The reasons for the protests were entirely local but fundamental. Women played an immensely significant role in the Jalḍubi Andolan. Smt. Bijayalakshmi Mahato, Aloka Banerjee, Radhika Mahato, Annada Kumbhokar among others, played significant roles in the Kangsabati or Jalḍubi Andolan. Therefore, the direct and indirect contribution of women to the movement is highly commendable. However, they remained out of the public eye and are now almost forgotten.

Key note: The Kangsabati Project, primary objective, obstacles, protests, contribution of women.

"The Kangsabati Project: The Role of Women in Regional Peasant Movements", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no.f625-f634, August-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508588.pdf

"The Kangsabati Project: The Role of Women in Regional Peasant Movements", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 8, page no. ppf625-f634, August-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2508588.pdf